December 10, 2006
A Look at Where Apple Has Been, And Where It's Going...
So to wrap up our semester of blogging about Apple, we thought we would do a quick recap of what Apple's been up to over the past six months...So Here It Is...
- 7/13/06 Apple partners up with Nike to create the iPod+Nike Sport Kit, enhancing runners' workouts all over the world
- 9/12/06 Apple releases the completely remastered iPod Nano featuring New Aluminum Design in Five Colors and 24 Hour Battery Life
- 10/4/06 Apple issues a security patch to fix holes, after Apple TV Ad boasts that its system is foolproof
- 10/13/06 Apple partners with Bono to release the iPod Nano Red - $10 of each Nano Red sold will go to the Global Fund to help fight AIDS in Africa
- 11/14/06 Microsoft's Zune is released as a direct competitor to Apple's iPod in the MP3 Player Market
- 12/06 Sales of Zune falter, analysts and technology reviewers predict poor results for Zune
- 9/06-12/06 Price/Share of Apple Stock continues to rise, closing at $72.80 on Friday September 7th, and $88.26 on December 8th
And here is a preview of what to look forward to in 2007:
- Unveiling of the much rumoured Apple iPhone at Macworld in January
- Release of three new iPods, with a debut also at Macworld
- Release of the Leopard OS with new features like...Time Machine-regularly backs up everything on your Mac, Mail 3-with new options to create invitations, travelogues, letters and more, iChat - chat from virtually anywhere with video backdrops, Spaces -organize your windows into different groups, i.e. work, play, communication, creation, Dashboard - new widgets!, Spotlight- tool to search across network-mounted folders...
So, with this much to look forward to, Apple's shares continue to rise in anticipation of its future success. So, buy, buy, buy! Just kidding, but seriously, keep an eye out for all of the new things Apple is bound to come up with, because with a philosophy like, "What do you do when you reach enlightenment? Keep Going!" innovation never ends.
Posted by tawr at 03:18 PM | Comments (0)
Delicious Wrap-up
I found the delicious account to be very useful when gathering information for different projects and research assignments. For example, for the term project I was able to keep all the sites I found for Apple organized by tagging under the same key words. By tagging, it allows you to find the sites immediately without going through the hassle of searching every site you found. Also, it gives you access to other peoples’ accounts so you can see what sites they are tagging. Another interesting aspect of delicious is that you see the most popular sites as well as the most recent. Also, the site includes a search bar giving you the ability to see what others tagged for the topic you are researching. Overall, delicious includes many features that make gathering research very easy and getting information accessible.
As a group, we found sites both in delicious as well as from outside sources such as Google News, New York Times Website, and the Apple Insider. We were able to keep track of all the latest news on Apple technology. We did not feel that it was right to take tags from other users, so we found our own. Also, we wanted to make sure that we each read and understood each site that we tagged, and we felt that if we “stole” tags from other users, this might not get accomplished. Also, delicious helped us track the sites that everyone in our group was tagging. Delicious is a very useful resource and it gave us an advantage while researching.
Posted by annakrem at 02:51 PM | Comments (0)
December 09, 2006
Future iPod Expectations
Apple iPod 2007
According to AppleInsider, check out this link, Apple is planning to unveil three new iPod models for upcoming 2007. Two of these models still remain pretty anonymous; however, the third one has a little but more information surrounding it. This third iPod is supposed to be a video-centric model that will either supplement or replace the aging fifth generation iPods. However, many sources at Apple are telling AppleInsider that Steve Jobs, CEO and founder of Apple, is not yet ready to put forth the necessary resources in order to bring this "true-video" iPod to the marketplace. However, if there was ever going to be an unveiling of this iPod, it would be at MacWorld, an all Apple event that takes place two weeks into January.
Personally, I am somewhat skeptical of all these new iPods coming to the market. I mean, you have the big iPods for those people that want to watch videos, and you have the Nano iPods for those who want something really small and sleek, and then you have the iPod Shuffle for those who just wanted an MP3 player but bought theirs from Apple. I mean, I honestly don't know what else Apple could come up with that wouldn't involve themselves cannibalizing their sales. If a new iPod comes out that let's say is less than the video iPod but offers better features, then Apple will lose the sales it would have received from the video iPod for the less profitable iPod. I honestly don't know what is going to happen, but I can tell you this, Apple is probably making a product that will blow most of their competition out of the water, just like they have always done.
Posted by cheek at 02:14 PM | Comments (0)
December 05, 2006
Ipod for Runners, duh, but wait, there's more!
So I am a runner, have been for about 8 years, and probably will be until I'm too old and decrepit to move from my firm position in front of "Murder She Wrote." But anyway, not to get sidetracked, I've been hearing rumours for a little while now about the new Nike+ipod Sport Kit. After getting a chance to check it out, I find that once again, Apple has succeeded in impressing me, not only with the sheer innovation of its ideas, but with its ability to make great partnerships with other companies.
To give you some background, since its inception, the ipod has become the preferred music companion for all of those fanatic runners out there on their frequent lonely jogs. To capitalize on this use of the ipod, Apple has teamed up with Nike to offer the "Nike+iPod Sport Kit"- a small shoe sensor and a wireless receiver that work together to enhance the runner's workout. Basically, the receiver fits inside a small cavity in the left shoe of any pair of Nikes with the "+" symbol (meaning they are sport kit compatible).
When you are ready to set off, you can scroll down the settings and choose the appropriate distance measurement (kilometres or miles), enter your weight, choose a voice among several options for the audio feedback, and select a power song (a default song that you can select to play when you most need the added energy). You can also choose from several different workout options, including distance, time, calories-burned, or open-ended.
Once the run begins, the screen of the ipod will change to reflect a clearly readable timer, the distance travelled, and the pace and name of the song being played. If you want an update on progress without having to look at your ipod (i.e. if you want to know how you are doing, but... you don't really want to run into a pole or get hit by a car) you can press the middle button of the ipod and the pre-selected audio voice will let you know how far you've run, how long you've run, and how many calories you have burned.
At the end of the run, you can come home and hook up the ipod to your computer. Once connected, itunes will prompt you to send the information to the Nike+ipod website. There, you can see a breakdown of your run in graph format (i.e. pace level over the specific time span). You can then save the data in your account, and use it as a basis of comparison for future runs. Users at the website can also invite up to 50 people to compete, or to work towards a common goal.
I think this is a great product for runners. Although I loathe running indoors (something about all those people crammed into one room, peering over one another's shoulders to see how many calories their neighbor has burned), I do occasionally enjoy seeing my exact distance/time per mile and calories burned. For me, this would be an awesome way to combine running outdoors with a more regimented workout. I could finally figure out the distance for my favorite routes, and using the website, I could keep track of my progress over time. This may be disheartening, as I like to think that I run an average of 4 miles each time at a rate of 8 miles/minute (my general distance and pace in high school), but I have a feeling that those numbers may be a bit optimistic. Regardless, the Nike+ipod Sportkit would be a great way to monitor my running, and push myself further (just what I need as a b-school kid).
The one drawback of the sport-kit is that it only works for the ipod Nano since the technology is compatible with its Flash memory (as opposed to the hard-drive based regular-size ipod). Although, I have been thinking about buying a Bono-pod (which is a Nano), and this would be the perfect excuse. Christmas List, here I come.
See...
Nike Reaches Deeper into New Media to Find Young Buyers
Posted by tawr at 05:36 PM | Comments (0)
November 29, 2006
PAPA
Over the last several years, the realm of technology and privacy has been transformed, creating landscape that is both dangerous and undermining to humankind.. As computer technology advances, it is becoming easier for different institutions to access personal information, and as a result individual privacy faces new threats on human dignity.In this new information age, retailers are able to track down every customer’s activity, from what they buy to what websites they visit, to determine the kind of sales promotion they should utilize. By monitoring each customer, retailers have the power and knowledge to offer different sales promotions to persuade customers to buy their product. While one customer might be paying one price another might be paying twice as much. Companies such Amazon.com, Ice.com, DelightfulDeliveries.com, and Overstock.com have been constantly mining for customer information or as others might come to think as invasion of privacy. This kind of collecting and distribution is extremely detrimental to human dignity and threatens our privacy.
The solution of securing our dignity lies in the simple acronym-PAPA. Privacy, accuracy, property, and accessibility are the four major issues of information ethics for this information age. To enhance the dignity of mankind, information systems should protect personal information and prevent companies from invading a person’s privacy. Also, there should be laws to limit the extent of information companies can access on the internet. As we do not have people following us throughout our daily lives, we should not have people tracking our every move on the internet.
Posted by annakrem at 08:07 PM | Comments (0)
Another Apple Blog
Zune Who???
According to many financial analysts, look right here, Microsoft's new Zune music player should not instill any fear in Apple, Inc. this holiday season. Debuting on November 15, 2006, there has not been much customer interest in the new player. Zune has also not been receiving many recommendations from retailers (only about 8% recommend the Zune while 75% recommend the iPod). Another sad note in the Zune deathspiral, many retailers don't even know what the Zune is. Currently, the Zune directly competes with the 30Gb video iPod, and currently, according to Deutsche Bank analyst Chris Whitmore "[the 30Gb iPod] appear to be immune to the Zune." Finally, the reviews of the Zune, something that could possibly boost Zune's sales, have been less than good.
In an earlier blog, our group chose to write about the Zune. many of us, including myself, thought that the Zune could at least rival the iPod for the holiday season. Mainly, I personally felt this way because normally Microsofts puts out a good product. However, we were sadly mistaken. Prior to its debut, the Zune received alot of hype, mainly by Microsoft. After Nov. 15, the "Zune balloon" had a slow leak in it. The week following its debut, the Zune only ranked 7th, among other MP3 players currently on the market. Microsoft made a valiant effort to gain some market share in the MP3 industry; however, many companies (Samsung, Apple, SanDisk) have already had many years of experience in this field. Overall, I was disappointed with the Zune. Based upon the hype it received, it turned out to be a flop. Yay for Apple!!!
Drumroll...and the Zune...
But wait, it looks just like the iPod, only not as cool...
Posted by cheek at 11:03 AM | Comments (0)
Apple, Philanthropy, and...Bono?
So what happens when the divisions between charitable donations and for-profit opportunities start to blur? What happens when a company starts to build its brand image around the organizations it supports? What happens when Apple and Bono team up to launch a special edition of the ipod?
...You get... the Bono-pod!
In a unique example of "cause marketing," Apple teamed up with U2'sBono in October to launch the ipod nano "red," which is part of Bono's larger campaign to raise money and awareness to fight AIDS in Africa. For each ipod nano "red" that is sold Apple will donate $10 to the global fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
The idea behind "cause marketing" is to form enduring partnerships with corporations in order to create long-lasting results. However, in the past this type of philanthropic/marketing endeavor has been more prominent among clothing and food products since product margins in the electronics industry are typically low. But Apple, in its tradition as leaders of the pack, has gone ahead and done it anyway.
And it is, in my opinion, a smart, strategic decision. Not only do 8 out of 10 people say that companies who align themselves with a cause are more likely to earn their trust, but Americans are known for buying products which build their own individual images. Not to mention Bono's "swagger-cool" persona that is bound to rub off on Apple and the ipod "red." So basically, anyone who buys the ipod "red" can feel comfortable saying, "I care about the world," and "Now, I am pretty much as cool as Bono."
Launches like this keeps the brand fresh; in fact, encouraging people to buy a new or an additional ipod is a major growth opportunity for Apple. And Apple knows it, which is why, of all the places/times Apple and Bono could have launched the product, they chose "The Oprah Winfrey Show"- one of the most watched shows in America, and infamous for flashy marketing tricks, like giving cars out to everyone in the audience, or now, introducing the Bono-pod.
Check out...
and
Bono, Apple go Red for a Cause
for more information!
Posted by tawr at 09:30 AM | Comments (0)
November 27, 2006
Blog for Week of Nov. 27
Back in Black...NOT
Currently, there are two generations of the iPod Nano. The 1st generation was strictly either the black or white versions. The new 2nd generation iPod Nanos are now multi-colored and come in different gigabyte memory sizes. Some of the new colors include silver, blue, green, pink, and black. Before these iPods were released, many analysts predicted that the black and silver iPods would be the hottest sellers; however, that is only 50% true. Currently, the silver iPod is outperforming all of the other colors. Silver is followed by the blue and green iPods, which are trailed by the pink and black ones.
I personally own two separate iPods. I bought the silver Ipod mini when it first came out, then later purchased the 30G black video iPod about one year ago. I use the silver iPod mainly for my workouts because it is smaller and weighs less. I use the black iPod more for walking to class and taking on trips. I currently do not own an iPod nano, but if I did, I would want the black iPod nano. Personally, I prefer the basic white and black colors. I feel that these colors are sleek and modern, while the colored ones seem like a child's toy. This may be one way that Apple is trying to target the younger generation by providing more customizable features or those people that currently do not own iPods. Many of those who currently own iPods enjoy the features of the iPod, not necessarily the colors. In the end, I like the black iPod and would personally purchase it.
Link to article...Not...Yes it is
Posted by cheek at 08:20 PM | Comments (0)
